New Red Wings forward David Perron spent three stints in St. Louis with the Blues, and he spoke with The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford regarding his decision to sign with the Red Wings this past July:
“I’m still in a little bit of shock that it didn’t work out, just kind of the way the years went,” Perron said. “I guess if you see my performance declining or something, then you’re like, ‘Maybe there’s something there.’ That’s still like raw to me. I had to let some of the dust settle and I guess I still have to let that happen.”
In 2020-21, the third of Perron’s four-year, $16 million contract with the Blues, he had 19 goals and a team-high 39 assists, and his point-per-game pace of 58 points in 56 games also led the club. He missed the playoffs with COVID-19.
Prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, a team source said that Perron was offered a two-year, $8 million contract ($4 million AAV) that was declined. Another source familiar with the negotiations said it was a one-year, $4 million offer, and after a successful season, he was looking for a longer contract.
“I didn’t understand why that offer was made, but I was respectful,” Perron said. “There’s a pecking order and I understand (Blues general manager Doug Armstrong) had to re-sign Colton Parayko; he signed eight years and deserved it.
“So yeah, the progression of the young guys, and maybe (Blues coach Craig Berube) wasn’t sure about me. Maybe my performance as I get older, like you don’t want to get burned. We kind of wanted to see some things.”
Continued (paywall) and worth your time…
